Expert: Newcastle 'having second thoughts' over transfer
18/04/2025 02:00
Newcastle United’s efforts to sign Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hit a stumbling block after a new issue emerged.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Eddie Howe has concerns about the 28-year-old’s fitness.
The Magpies are considering a number of alternatives to play backup to Alexander Isak and are weighing up whether Calvert-Lewin is the correct choice.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 10 April that Newcastle are “very keen” on signing Calvert-Lewin when he leaves Everton this summer.
Callum Wilson will leave Newcastle this summer as his impact on the squad has lessened while his injury concerns have caused constant issues.
Those injuries have raised concerns about Calvert-Lewin’s situation as the club are keen to avoid a similar situation to their frustrations around Wilson.
Newcastle United to make Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision
Brown told Football Insider in January that Newcastle are pushing to sign Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer – but he has since missed ten league games with a hamstring injury.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful season, has insisted his recent blow will be a concern to Newcastle who could drop their interest.
“Newcastle have been looking to sign a new striker,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s been a lot of talks about Calvert-Lewin, but now they’re having second thoughts.
“I remember watching him when he was young at Sheffield United and he was a real handful with his pace, ability in the air and all-round play.
“But his goalscoring has dried up in recent years and he’s always injured, even now he’s missed the last ten games because of an injury.
“Newcastle are getting rid of Wilson because he’s had these injury issues, so I would be surprised to see them bring in Calvert-Lewin who has the same problems.
“I know he’s one they’ve looked at, but I expect they’ll be considering their other options now.
“The only thing would be his availability on a free transfer, they might take a gamble on him.
“But if you’re saying do they want to rely on him as the answer to some of their problems, I would need some convincing and I think they will too.”
Liam Delap update emerges after Alexander Isak latest
Alongside their pursuit of Calvert-Lewin, Newcastle are considering a move to sign Ipswich Town star Liam Delap ahead of the summer window.
Brown told Football Insider that Delap is seen as the “perfect” Isak replacement should the Sweden international leave St James’ Park this summer.
This comes amid ongoing speculation about a move to Liverpool as the Reds are aiming to sign a big-name striker ahead of the summer window.
However, Man United and Chelsea are also eyeing Delap and he is expected to have no shortage of offers given the release clause in his contract at Portman Road.
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The post Expert: Newcastle 'having second thoughts' over transfer appeared first on Football Insider.
